Colorado falls short to begin series in Alaska

Dec. 28, 2012

Written by

Coloradoan Staff

Coming into Friday nightís game against Alaska to start a three-game set the Colorado Eagles knew that they would have to hang close and try and steal points late.

The Aces are leading the Western Conference and are one of the best teams in the ECHL on home ice. The Eagles are also still dealing with a shorthanded roster.

Going into the third period on Friday, Colorado were in a decent position, trailing only 1-0 as goalie Adam Brown stood tall in net for the Eagles.

Colorado then got just the chance it needed when Dylan Hood got a breakaway midway through the third. He scored, tying the game at one and seemingly setting the Eagles up to possibly steal some points to start the series.

But just two minutes later, Zach Harrison scored to put Alaska up 2-1. Then another two minutes later Bobby Hughes scored a power play goal to all but seal the win for Alaska. The Aces scored an empty net goal to take the first game of the series 4-1.

Despite the loss, Brown was excellent in goal for the fifth consecutive start. He stopped 28 of 31 shots, including a 14-shot outburst in the first period from Alaska.

The Eagles played with 14 skaters. New signing Devin DiDiomete played his first game with Colorado and Aaron Schneekloth played after missing the last 11 games injured. Ray Kaunisto did not play after being reassigned from St. Johnís on Friday.

The two teams play the second game of the series on Saturday night at 9:15.